What is TSB NTB22-051A about?

TSB NTB22-051A addresses an "HORN INOPERATIVE" condition in certain 2021-2023 Nissan Altima, Kicks, LEAF, Sentra, and Versa vehicles, caused by a pinched ground wire in the horn pad.

Which Nissan models are affected by the horn issue in TSB NTB22-051A?

This TSB applies to 2021-2023 Nissan Altima (L34), Kicks (P15), LEAF (ZE1), Sentra (B18), and Versa (N18) models.

What is the repair for a Nissan horn inoperative due to a pinched ground wire?

The repair involves safely removing the driver airbag module, inspecting the horn ground wire, and if pinched, replacing both the high and low horns. The airbag module is then reinstalled with care to prevent future pinching of the ground wire.

Is a special tool required for this horn repair?

Yes, the repair requires an Airbag Release Tool, specifically J-52551, which has a new part number of NI-52551.

Can I perform the repair for the Nissan horn inoperative issue myself?

Nissan states that these bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers,' due to the specialized tools, safety procedures, and technical knowledge required, especially concerning airbag components.

2021-2023 Nissan Horn Inoperative TSB

Symptoms

Owners of affected Nissan vehicles may experience an "HORN INOPERATIVE" condition, meaning the vehicle's horn does not function when activated. This issue can affect the safety of the vehicle, as the horn is a critical warning device.

Diagnosis and Cause

Nissan Technical Service Bulletin NTB22-051A identifies the root cause of the inoperative horn as a pinched ground wire within the horn pad. Technicians are instructed to inspect this wire for signs of pinching. If a pinched ground wire is found, it indicates that the horn's electrical circuit is compromised, preventing it from operating correctly. This TSB provides a clear procedure for diagnosing and resolving the Nissan horn inoperative condition.

Repair Procedure Summary

Addressing the Nissan horn inoperative issue involves a specific multi-step repair process. First, technicians must record radio settings and then disconnect the negative battery terminal. A minimum waiting period of three minutes is required to allow the airbag diagnosis unit to discharge any remaining electricity, ensuring safety during the repair.

Next, the driver airbag module needs to be carefully removed from the steering wheel. This involves locating and accessing three specific holes on the steering wheel (two on the back, one on the bottom) and using a special Airbag Release Tool (J-52551 or NI-52551) to disengage the airbag springs. Once the airbag module is removed, the horn ground wire is inspected for any signs of pinching.

If a pinched ground wire is confirmed, both the high and low horns are replaced. The bulletin emphasizes that the pinched ground wire itself does not require a separate wire repair. When reinstalling the driver airbag module, it must be rotated 360 degrees to ensure any excess slack in the ground wire is removed, preventing it from becoming pinched again. Finally, the negative battery terminal is reconnected, and any additional services required after battery disconnection are performed. The repair concludes with a test to confirm that the horns operate correctly.

Required Tools and Parts

To perform this repair, Nissan technicians will need the following:

Airbag Release Tool: J-52551 (superseded by NI-52551)
HORN ASSY – ELECTRIC HIGH: Part number 25610-***** (the full part number must be determined using the VIN in the Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC))
HORN ASSY – ELECTRIC LOW: Part number 25620-***** (the full part number must be determined using the VIN in the EPC)

Important Warnings and Notices

Nissan provides several critical warnings and notices within TSB NTB22-051A to ensure technician safety and proper repair execution:

"Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle."
"NOTICE: To prevent damage to the ACC power supply, do not operate the vehicle, such as locking/unlocking or opening/closing the doors within the 3-minute waiting period." (after battery disconnection)
"WARNING: To prevent the risk of personal injury or damage to the vehicle, verify the ignition switch is OFF and a minimum of 3 minutes has elapsed since the negative battery terminal was disconnected, before proceeding to step 3." (before working on airbag components)
"IMPORTANT: The pinched ground wire does not require a wire repair. When installing the driver airbag module to the steering wheel, rotate the driver airbag module 360° to remove excess slack from the ground wire and to prevent the ground wire from becoming pinched."

Warranty and Claims Information

For warranty claims related to this TSB, dealers should submit a Primary Part (PP) type line claim. The Primary Failed Part (PFP) should be identified as the Horn Assy – Electric (25610-*****). The Operation Code (OP CODE) for this repair is RXB5AA, with a Symptom Code (SYM) of ZE and a Diagnosis Code (DIA) of 32.

The Flat Rate Time (FRT) for this repair varies by model:

Altima, LEAF: 0.7 hours
Kicks, Sentra, Versa: 0.4 hours

Amendment History

This bulletin, NTB22-051A, is an amendment to a previous version. The original bulletin, NTB22-051, was published on June 17, 2022. The current version, dated February 22, 2023, includes revisions to the list of applied vehicles and Tech-Mate information on page 2.

Source: NHTSA ID: 10232666